Boycott of Bill Maher's Show Suggested by Rep Rashida Tlaib After He Criticizes BDS

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Rep. Rashida Tlaib suggested boycotting "Real Time With Bill Maher" Saturday after he called the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement she supports a "bulls— purity test" during Friday's HBO show.

"Maybe folks should boycott his show," she tweeted Saturday. "I am tired of folks discrediting a form of speech that is centered on equality and freedom. This is exactly how they tried to discredit & stop the boycott to stand up against the apartheid in S. Africa. It didn't work then and it won't now."

Link to tweet

?s=20

Michigan's outspoken Democratic freshman in Congress was responding to a tweet earlier in the day by Intercept columnist Mehdi Hasan, in which he included a clip of a roundtable discussion on Maher's "Real Time" Friday criticizing BDS. Hasan wrote: "Maher rails against BDS, Palestinians, and Omar/Tlaib with an all-white panel featuring no Palestinians, no Arabs, no Muslims, no people of colour. 'Liberal' Maher."

Maher came out hard against the BDS movement Friday, calling it a "bulls— purity test by people who want to appear woke but actually slept through history class."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/boycott-of-bill-mahers-show-suggested-by-rep-rashida-tlaib-after-he-criticizes-bds/ar-AAFYK4f?li=BBnbfcL

[A HERETIC I AM]

1. Sorry Madam Congresswoman, but I'm out.

Just as you are entitled to your opinion, so is Mr. Maher.

[question everything]

5. Hear hear!

[A HERETIC I AM]

6. ....

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

8. When a member of Congress suggests a boycott

on account of someone's political opinion, they are getting awfully close to violating the First Amendment, because they are a government agent trying to suppress a private citizen's free speech by punishing them for it. It's fine to argue with the opinion but not so good to suggest a boycott on account of it. I agree more with her than I do with him on the issue, but she should remember that when she speaks, she speaks as an elected representative and not just for herself.

[A HERETIC I AM]

10. Absogoddamnedlutely.

There are plenty of opinions held by Bill Maher that I disagree with, but he is a liberal and a religious skeptic and not ashamed to speak of either on a nationally distributed TV show, and for that he has my attention.

I agree with you though, counselor, in that the esteemed lady should know that as an elected official her words do carry the weight of a constituency and the institution of the House behind them (or perhaps 'over' them) and Mr. Maher is simply a humorist with a platform.

The often offered disparaging opinions of Bill Maher and his politics on this site are amusing, at best.

It's similar to the regular threads/comments about this or that thing an MSNBC talking head said.

They (some DU'ers I mean) hate them one minute because they said something they think is horrible, but privately applaud them the next minute because that next thing they said fits the sensibilities better.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

57. Maher is not a liberal

He’s a libertarian and often parrots right wing talking points to attack liberals.

[Sapient Donkey]

65. Have you done an inventory of his political beliefs?

Like if you laid them all out, are you really suggesting that he is a conservative? He may be less "progressive" (or just have a different opinion on what is progressive) than you on some issues, but does that make someone not a liberal? Would Marher fit in with the republican party or even the libertarian party? I find that often times these sorts of "not a true liberal" statements are hinged on a belief that if someone doesn't believe a specific thing that a person considers to be absolutely mandatory, then that person is stripped of their "liberal" label in that person's mind regardless if the target is liberal on the majority of other issues.

It seems to be a more accurate statement would be that in your opinion Maher isn't as progressive as you are, and that maybe you believe anyone who isn't as progressive as yourself should be put in the same category as every right-wing conservative.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

66. Yes and he's a libertarian

not a liberal.

[Sapient Donkey]

71. How does his stance for medical for all fit into that?

How about his push for environmental regulations?

He is definitely anti-conservative based on his support of gay marriage, marijuana, and dislike of needless US wars. Those things all being things in which liberals and libertarians often agree on. Surely you don't count those strikes against him that puts him in the libertarian camp. He is clearly socially liberal.

What libertarian views does he hold that nullifies those views? He does support medicare for all and strong environmental regulations. Not really something libertarians of any type are known to support. I don't think I've ever seen him express any views about abolishing the IRS, making all road toll roads, ending welfare programs, taxes being theft, or anything else like that.


*My point isn't that Maher is a great guy with awesome opinions/views. I think he has some weird views and is wrong on some of the things he says. However, I don't think that disagreement makes him a right-wing libertarian.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

72. How does his bigotry and misogyny

and his parroting of RW talking points to attack liberals make him a real liberal? Face it he's a bigoted rich white guy and not a liberal.

[Bradshaw3]

81. How ironic and hypocritical

Your ignorance of Maher's positions and using name-calling rather than facts shows true prejudice. You were asked to explain your description with known positions he has taken and your response is more name-calling. Let's see, he gave a million dollars to Obama and a million dollars to the DNC in the 2018 elections. I'd say that is putting his money where his mouth is and - in addition to his positions - shows he is a liberal, just one who believes in free speech.

Unfortunately, political purists on here and elsewhere don't like it when inconvenient truths are pointed out about themselves and their stances. Then all they have is baseless name calling.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

84. Still doesn't make him a liberal

And just because he has some liberal positions doesn't make him a liberal especially when he regularly bashes Democrats.

[Bradshaw3]

86. yes his positions do make him a liberal

And he backs it up with his donations. Having illberal positions such as trying to shut down free speech - now that disqualifies one as a liberal. In your short time you've spent a lot of time bashing others - again, very hypocritical.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

90. No being a bigot

and misogynist who parrots right wing talking points to bash Democrats disqualifies him.

[Bradshaw3]

95. Repeating falsehoods doesn't make them true

He is not a bigot and anyone who thinks so is ignorant or deliberately misrepresenting because they don't want to hear inconvenient truths. You just keep smearing without proof. I and others have pointed out facts about Maher - and you respond with incessant name-calling. That just shows how wrong you are, and repetition makes it even more obvious.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

119. Yes he is a bigot

[Bradshaw3]

147. No he is not

Anyone who thinks so is clearly prejudiced themselves and can't admit it.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

148. Yes he is

He attacked a 13 year old just because he was a Muslin.

[wryter2000]

160. He called tailhook

"Boys being boys." He once suggested women maybe just aren't any good at math and science. Those were a long time ago. I haven't watched him since.

[cwydro]

117. You are 100% wrong.

Wow.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

118. You're claiming Maher is not a bigot?

[cwydro]

120. Yes, I think Maher is spot on.

In what way is he a bigot?

[Life_Long_Democrat]

121. Well let's start with him calling Obama

‘Chocolate Jesus’ in 08. If Rush Limbaugh had said that people’s heads would explode. Then there are his many bigoted statements regarding Arabs and Muslims. These are well known.

[cwydro]

123. Ah, I see you now.

Welcome to DU lol.

Enjoy your stay.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

124. Thanks

Here’s some interesting reading for you: https://www.jacobinmag.com/2017/09/bill-maher-real-time-trump-islamophobia

[Haggis for Breakfast]

151. You DO KNOW that he's also a comedian, right ?

Or are you just another trouble-making, russian bot ?

[Life_Long_Democrat]

152. So was Roseanne Barr

Didn’t excuse her from making a racist remark.

And pointing out that someone who is not a Democrat has made racist and bigoted statements shouldn’t be discouraged on a site dedicated to supporting democrats.

[Rhiannon12866]

153. He also donated a million dollars to President Obama's reelection campaign. n/t

[Life_Long_Democrat]

154. So?

[Rhiannon12866]

155. So I wouldn't call that as being anti-Democratic or anti-Obama

[Life_Long_Democrat]

158. Never said he was anti-Obama

But that doesn’t excuse him of making racist and bigoted statements.

[onenote]

89. I'm curious: who designated you the decider of who is a "liberal"?

[Life_Long_Democrat]

91. Never said I was

So don’t dishonestly put words in my mouth.

[onenote]

93. You have repeatedly told us he isn't.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

94. So?

[onenote]

96. I think my posts are clear on their face.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

98. So?

I thought on Democratic Underground we supported Democrats, not a self proclaimed libertarian and independent who regularly bashes Democrats with right wing talking points.

[onenote]

133. Not every Democrat would meet your test of being a liberal. But we support them here.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

134. Yes we support Democrats like Rep Rashida Tlaib

not an independent bigoted white guy who attacks Democrats like Tlaib
Tlaib

[Piasladic]

128. breastfeeding is where he lost me...

[happy feet]

87. Bill Maher is a self-proclaimed Libertarian

I don't understand your pushback?

[Life_Long_Democrat]

88. I know

[Sapient Donkey]

116. It's my understanding he hasn't claimed to be libertarian in decades

I actually haven't seen him ever claim to be libertarian, but people I trust have stated he said so long ago. That being said, I've have almost always heard him describe himself as a liberal and many of beliefs fall on the liberal side. Now, if these exist, I suppose he could be a progressive libertarian or something, but I am not even sure that makes sense. I mean, if you're a libertarian because you support the freedom of people's personal lives and think the government has no right to tell people who they can marry, if they can have an abortion, etc..., and also believe in strong social programs and support concepts like medicare for all (or similar), then aren't you just a liberal?

Also, I'd say I take less issue with calling him a libertarian, and more issue with saying he's a right-wing libertarian. The right-wing label doesn't seem to fit on the vast majority of his stances.

[maxsolomon]

137. Is the term you're looking for 'Social Libertarian'?

I have heard him argue with actual dickhead Libertarians multiple times, IIRC.

[Sapient Donkey]

149. It may very well be.

I find labels like that are often times ambiguous and people all seem to have different definitions, and they can even have different meanings in different contexts (liberal democrat as an example)

[ReformedGOPer]

132. +1

[ProfessorGAC]

156. Simply Wrong

Light years from accurate

[Life_Long_Democrat]

159. No he's not

He’s a self proclaimed libertarian who leans left on most issues but leans right on others.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

19. Suggesting a boycott is not tantamount to suppression of free speech IMHO

I can kind of understand where you're coming from though, given that she is an elected official with some power.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

21. It's awfully close to the edge.

While it might not be actionable, it's close enough to be not such a good thing for a member of Congress to be saying. We'd be having industrial-strength hissy fits and waving the First Amendment flag if Lindsey Graham suggested boycotting Rachel Maddow.

[lame54]

23. Boycotts are the...

Finest part of capatalism

[cwydro]

77. Yep.

Exactly.

[Va Lefty]

22. Couldn't agree more!

[PatrickforO]

172. I agree. Maher brought up the point that

Israel has struggled against people who do not believe it has the right to exist since Palestine was ceded to them by the British Empire after the Second World War. It wasn't done well, and the problem has festered.

The Israelis really do impose an Apartheid-like system on the Palestinians.

Many of the surrounding Arab states, however, have NEVER said anything but that Israel does not have a right to exist, and have in fact attacked, bombed and done terrorist acts against Israel.

An equitable solution will necessarily be much greater in scope than a boycott of a comedian's political talk show.

[Paladin]

2. Rep. Tlaib has my full support on this.

Actually, I've been boycotting Maher's show for some time---I refuse to bolster the ratings of some jerk who's clearly headed for a show on Fox "News." It will be my pleasure to continue my boycott, with Rep. Tlaib and the rest of "The Squad" in mind.

[marble falls]

7. Mine, too. I haven't gotten warmth back for Maher after his apology to GWB.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politically_Incorrect

In the aftermath of the attacks, U.S. President George W. Bush said that the terrorists responsible were cowards. In the September 17, 2001, episode, Maher's guest Dinesh D'Souza disputed Bush's label, saying the terrorists were warriors. Maher agreed, and replied: "We have been the cowards, lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, [it's] not cowardly."[4]

Despite similar comments having been made in other media, advertisers withdrew their support and some ABC affiliates stopped airing the show temporarily.[4] White House press secretary Ari Fleischer denounced Maher, warning that "people have to watch what they say and watch what they do."[5] Maher apologized, and explained that he had been criticizing U.S. military policy, not American soldiers.[6]

[A HERETIC I AM]

13. Really? You're still holding that over him?

Damn! That torch must be burnt almost all the way down, don't you think?

[LanternWaste]

24. Convictions can be really inconvenient to our preferred tv line-up.

[marble falls]

38. He leaves me indifferent, no torches involved. I just found his apology for a ...

sentiment I agreed with weak kneed.

[Hortensis]

12. Maher aside. Whatever good intentions anyone supporting

the BDS movement has, that person will be in up over the eyebrows in antisemitism. It is no more possible to separate support for BDS from the latest intense iteration of international left-wing antisemitism than it is for a trumpster to separate from white racism.

Btw, the reason anti-zionist BDS is a notably LW movement (instead of being obscured by the much larger RW antisemitism) is that RW Christians are the world's biggest zionists. The Bible says Jesus will come again AFTER the Jews return to Israel, so that for as long as Christianity has existed Christians have believed Jews must return. This has strongly affected foreign policy of all Christian-dominated nations, but in ours never more than now in this Trump/religious right period.

So pro-zionist antisemitism is mostly RW, while anti-zionist antisemitism is mostly far-LW.

My husband and I fully support the original and current rights of the Palestinian peoples, and we both want far more pressure on the RW government currently controlling Israel to force it to behave better, but NEVER through the BDS movement. I have an extremely poor opinion of Tlaib, and of Maher as well.

[question everything]

15. Many India Muslims live in fear

The Chinese have gone after more than 2 Uighurs and other Muslims. Yet, these two Congresswomen have not said a word.

Are some Muslims worth more than others?

[Hortensis]

20. Good point. If a major LW antisemitic movement develops

in support of the Uighurs, bringing international attention to their plight, perhaps Reps. Tlaib and Omar will join it.

[DFW]

68. The Uighurs, while Muslim, are not Arabs

More a Turkic people with more in common with the Turkmens of the former Soviet Central Asia than the Arabs of the Middle East, they have never much been on the radar of Islamic activists to the south or west. It is much easier to verbally attack Israel, especially as long as they have the objectionable Netanyahu as PM, than it is to attack China.

After all, it is way more comfortable to boycott El Al and Jaffa oranges than it is to boycott computers and cell phones.

[question everything]

168. Thank you. Interesting

[IdealsAndReal42]

167. Good point.

It's sounds so. When Muslims are harrassed by non white /other Muslims, it sounds less important.

[gratuitous]

18. It's a sticky question

I get that you're not on board with boycott, divest and sanction of Israel for its treatment of its Palestinian citizens.* What "pressure" would you suggest be applied to the Israeli government in hopes of forcing it to behave better? From my observation, the Netanyahu government routinely disregards foreign (and domestic, but that's a whole nother thread) criticism of its policies and practices, so I think political pressure doesn't work very well, if at all. I would be interested to hear what specific actions you think would be effective in making Israel behave better that don't include boycott, divestiture or sanction.

*In answer to the question posed in a response downthread, I'd guess that Rep. Tlaib has a particularly personal interest in Muslims in Palestine because that's where her family is from.

[Hortensis]

27. Political pressure works can just fine when the pressured nation

knows it's not just hot air "pressure" (with your quotation marks).

The Republican Party, and Trump himself, currently desperately need the support of the religious right and have no intention of slacking support of Netanyahu's government or of Israel itself. "Bibi" knows that as well as anyone.

The Democratic Party can and would, has in the past, but as elected representatives in a democratic republic, there are limits to just how much pressure could realistically be applied. Certainly enough to hurt and force some accommodations, but imo, Sanders' claim is pure hot air -- in office, he couldn't come through on it. Congress holds the pocketbook, and conservatives will always be a force that much be considered even if we have majorities at the moment.

What everyone needs is for Israel's voters to remove their RW party from power. Wherever hard-core RWers get in power, abuses and persecutions follow. The only answer here and abroad, always, is to keep them out of power, "them" meaning hard-core conservatives. That these are Jewish is irrelevant. Hard-core conservative anythings would be just as bad or worse. Look at any nation in grave trouble to check that one out. Even supposedly LW governments like Venezuela's that are in trouble have hard-core conservatives in power.

[gratuitous]

35. I used "pressure" because I didn't want to be inaccurate

These conversations can get reactive fast, and I wanted to use the very word you used so as not to overstate or understate what you had said.

If I read your response correctly, the Republicans and Trump can't do anything against the Netanyahu government because Netanyahu knows any criticism they might have of his government is toothless. I tend to agree with that. As to the Democrats, you acknowledge there are limits to anything they might realistically do, which I also tend to agree with. Unfortunately, after we've run through the Republicans and the Democrats, we're pretty much out of political options as a country; which leaves individual actions by private citizens. You conclude by saying that it's up to Israel's voters to remove their right wing party from power, which they have been unable or unwilling to do for several elections. I'm not sure that's a very promising avenue for change.

Is there anything you think U.S. citizens could or should do, ruling out BDS?

[Hortensis]

37. :) Well, those who imagine we're powerful enough

to do whatever we want, and therefore have a duty to fix everything, are very foolish. That's not you, of course, but it's certainly many here. Others have power also. The good people of Israel are now in the same position we are -- we didn't understand the risk of rising RW extremism and do what we had to to keep our nations from catching fire. And now it's joined by rising LW extremism.

This BDS movement may have had good intentions in the beginning, but it provided cover for antisemitism and very quickly attracted those inclined to it, and those are far more passionately against the Jewish state than for the Palestinians they claim as their cause. So it's no more the answer for good people than Trump is for those who sincerely want to restore prosperity to farmers and coal country. Also, for various reasons, including U.S. RW zionists, it's doomed to burn hot and then fail, and rightfully so.

As for what we can do, what do you think? I have no magic answers unless the only big answer and duty we have turns out to be magic: Above all vote for the strongest liberal-dominated party available, failing that the strongest moderate conservative party. The U.S. is extremely fortunate to have a very strong, united liberal party that is THE alternative to what has become a RW extremist Republican Party. Many do not.

You smile, maybe, when you ask me to provide answers the international community hasn't, but I'm sure of that at least. We had 75 years of peace and prosperity both because of our previously liberalism-dominated government and because a working center made up of both parties had managed to keep today's dangerous extremism in check.

[jrthin]

16. The Congress woman has my support also. I don't watch him for

the reason you listed in your post. Also, he does us more harm than good.

[theaocp]

3. Maher is an outlandish asshole who has some good opinions.

He also enables scum like Coulter to thrive. There's no need to have these fuckwads on his show. He gives them an audience to spout their bile. No more platforms. Sick of his tripe.

[maxsolomon]

30. I don't think you watched the show.

Maher is the one that brought up BDS and drove the conversation there.

Betsy Woodruff and the NYT Reporter both made good points about the tough spot this issue will put the Dems in for 2020. Trump's already openly lying that Democrats hate Israel and Jews.

BDS will not make Likud and it's coalition come to the negotiating table with Hamas. They have no need; Trump and the GOP bend over backwards to kiss their ass, and that's who has power. The right wing in Israel LOVE Trump.

A Dem President might be mildly critical of Settler Policy behind closed doors, but threatening Israel's aid? A cold day in hell before that happens...

[FreeLookMode]

55. I already boycott Maher for a host of other reasons

Being a dick is being a dick. It doesn't suddenly get sexy just because someone identifies as a liberal.

[question everything]

4. This will be news for "Killer Mike"

Seems that boycotting is the congresswoman's modus operandi.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1017550324

[Crunchy Frog]

9. Glad I missed it this week.

I really hate his anti Muslim bigotry.

[maxsolomon]

31. Maher is anti-Monotheism. Islam is one of 3 Monotheisms.

All with the same imaginary Sky Dad.

If it gets special attention from Maher, it's because of the lack of modernity & general misogyny that are prominent features (yes, they're integral to Judaism and Christianity, too. I'm aware.) of it's contemporary practice. I'm not a fan of the Hijab and Burkhas, either, but I tolerate them and so does Maher.

His point on Friday was that I/P is not a 1-way street, and he thinks the BDS movement wants to make it appear that it were. Israelis are not evil incarnate, and Palestinians are not pure innocents.

There has been awful, intolerable violence on both sides. Palestinians have used terror for decades. He quoted a BDS activist saying Israel had no right to exist - which is music to Trump's 2020 ears.

I think he goes over the top sometimes, sure. The Panel sure felt uncomfortable, but there has to be Palestinian compromise on Israel's existence at some point, or the situation will remain in unacceptable stasis.

[MurrayDelph]

44. He is against all religions

but mostly Islam.

I gave up my HBO when he was going after the kid with the clock.

[maxsolomon]

49. Kid with the Clock?

Oh, yeah: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Mohamed_clock_incident

I don't remember Maher "going after" the kid. What did he say? Like "It was reasonable"?

You deprived yourself of GoT because of Real Time?

[RhodeIslandOne]

112. He spends 95% of his show criticizing the American right-wing Christo-facists

....who are attempting to rewrite American law.

Is that something you just totally disregard?

[Crunchy Frog]

64. I'm perfectly aware of his attitude towards religion.

I watched his movie.

I find his Islamophobia to be beyond acceptable. Also, I haven't noticed Tlaib wearing a hijab or burqa. I certainly can't blame her for sympathizing with the people that her own family came from.

I personally support BDS because only one party to the conflict has been living under perpetual occupation and dispossession for over 50 years. There were times when the black South Africans weren't all that well behaved either.

[maxsolomon]

73. I wasn't talking about Tlaib's wearing or not wearing a Burkha.

I was saying that his opinions are not far out of the mainstream of American thought on I/P. Hell, even the mainstream of thought on DU. BDS is not going to be in our Party's platform. I pray we're not foolish enough to hand that issue to Trump.

Is Maher an asshole? Sometimes. Is Maher an Atheist? Sure. What respect does Atheism owe any Monotheism? Does Monotheism respect Atheism? History would suggest it does not.

Of the 3 Monotheisms, Islam has had the least reform, the least tolerance of Secularism. Calling that out as a problem for the 21st century isn't "Islamophobia". Saying "I hate all Muslims" or "Muslims can't be American" is. Maher hasn't said those things - that I'm aware of. So I don't know what "Islamophobia" you (or lots of DUers) find "beyond acceptable". Do you have some egregious example to share?

[MicaelS]

107. Perfectly acceptable to bash Christianity ...

All day long.

But don't dare say anything against Islam., lest you be labeled an Islamophobe.

[RhodeIslandOne]

114. Exactly.

Fuck religion. All of it. Including supposedly poor widdle oppressed Islam. They have an entire region where they are allowed to oppress women, murder gays, and spout their phony bullshit hypocrisy. And too many here look the other way. It's what Alabama, Missisippi and Kansas want to be.

[RhodeIslandOne]

113. Apparently you aren't.

Most of his show is spent ripping Republicans and their obsession with imposing Maria Law.

[Jake Stern]

129. That classic staple of hypocrisy on DU

It's okay to talk as much shit as one wants about Christians but woe be unto the person who says anything less than glowing about Islam.

[MuseRider]

11. Bill Maher is a creep.

I would not watch his show for anything, have not for a long time. I cannot stand him. I did like his movie about religion but that was the las I saw of him. His tactics stink and he is a horrible misogynist. It has been years since he had any influence and his love for the creepy RW assholes he forever puts on his shows cements everything I believe about him. He goes where he can get his face in the media and his pockets full. Asshole. Edit: Oh yeah I forgot to add BIGOT

[A HERETIC I AM]

14. Next time he does a show around here....

I'll buy my ticket in your honor.

[Corgigal]

40. I went to see him live,

several years back and it was a witty and enjoyable show. Also the ticket cost were reasonable.
Hope you can attend and enjoy.

[MuseRider]

43. LOL

I would expect that!

[maxsolomon]

33. How is he a misogynist?

I have watched his show off and on since the movie you liked (Religulous), and it's not a pronounced feature of his act or the show.

Yes, he doesn't like the Hijab, but lots of Feminists don't like the Hijab, either.

Are there any Me-Too issues with his off-camera behavior that I'm unaware of?

[wryter2000]

161. As I said upthread,

I stopped watching him when he called tailhook "boys being boys," and said that maybe women just aren't good at math and science. I'm not surprised others say he's misogynist, too.

[maxsolomon]

162. that one comment, then?

others on this thread are making binary judgments and serious accusations, but very few of them actually watch the show.

they, like you, saw something that offended them and started their own boycott.

[wryter2000]

165. Two comments

On two shows. Then, I stopped watching him, so I don't know what all else he's said. But from time to time, he's quoted here saying other obnoxious things, so I doubt he's stopped being a misogynist creep.

[jcmaine72]

17. No thanks, Rep Tlaib, but I'll pass on your boycott.

[superpatriotman]

25. Congratulations, Congressman

You just made his point perfectly.

[Kurt V.]

26. i don't understand why ppl like that guy. to each their own.

[still_one]

28. Boycott for what? Because you disagree with him? How progressive of you

[onenote]

92. +1

[VarryOn]

29. Boycotts are dumb. Nt

[jcgoldie]

32. Bill Maher sucks

He spends as much time trashing Democrats as he does Trump and so far this year has spent large portions of each show I've seen coddling conservative guests.

[maxsolomon]

138. He "trashes" Dems for not fighting smarter.

He has a lot of the same frustrations as I do.

He doesn't oppose Democratic policy. He gave a million dollars to the party in 2016.

"Coddling" Consevatives is engaging in debate. He, and the other guests, have no issue calling bulshit on bullshitters. It's the point of the show.

[kimbutgar]

34. Bill says stuff all the time I disagree with but I won't stop watching his show

He has a consistent bias against Muslims which I don’t agree with. But I’d rather have him on our side anyway.

[Spider Jerusalem]

36. Fuck Bill Maher, he's a bigoted, misogynistic, Islamophobic, homophobic, transphobic asshole.

And if you like Bill Maher then you are very likely also an asshole.

(and he's also an anti-science kook who doesn't believe in germ theory.))

[maxsolomon]

99. Everyone is an Asshole to someone

People have a whole lot of opinions on Ol' Bill.

I've heard him say some Anit-Vaxx stuff IIRC. Can you point me at where he's showed disbelief for germ theory?

[Spider Jerusalem]

125. here:

https://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2007/10/16/is-bill-maher-really-that-ignorant-part

He's also got some weird HIV/AIDS denialist ideas.

[maxsolomon]

135. if i'm reading that right, he said that in 2003?

and he was immediately challenged on it, too?

he MIGHT have changed his opinions in the intervening 16 years. maybe not, I don't know. he doesn't have kids, so he can't harm anyone - except by spreading misinformation.

but I understand why you'd want to dismiss everything else he's said about any other topic since.

[Spider Jerusalem]

146. His anti-vaccine crankery, HIV denialism, racism, misogynny, Islamophobia, transphobia etc..

are all more recent and in fact ongoing. Considering what a shitbag he is I am kind of surprised anyone who considers themselves remotely "liberal" is defending him.

[maxsolomon]

163. I watch him on and off.

I have not seen anything stupid other than the anti-vaxx comments, years ago.

I've never seen "HIV Denialism", and I don't even know what that is.

I've never seen racism, misogyny, Islamophobia or transphobia from him on his show. He criticizes Islam, but that isn't Islamophobia. I suppose that accusation comes from his support of anti-Hijab/Burkha laws in France?

The accusation that anyone who defends Maher isn't a Liberal reflects poorly on you. Maher is a Liberal. I'm a liberal. I don't have purity tests. Lots of people on this thread do.

[Spider Jerusalem]

169. You don't watch very closely then

https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/24/opinion/bill-mahers-attacks-on-women.html


https://video.vice.com/en_us/video/bill-mahers-greatest-racist-hits/5935ab910fc9a6317ba8c89a?latest_videos=1

https://www.thedailybeast.com/bill-mahers-transphobia-problem

there is a LOT more on the same vein; the fact that you want to defend this guy says quite a lot about your personal blind spots.

[gulliver]

39. She's 1/435th of Congress. No less. No more.

Anything else would be unfair and undemocratic.

[Renew Deal]

41. What is there to boycott?

Maher is very clearly an islamaphobe, but suggesting boycotts will only strengthen him. He doesn't have advertisers on HBO.

[walkingman]

42. I like Bill Maher

[skip fox]

45. Maybe we need to stop fighting among ourselves!

[elocs]

46. I can't boycott Bill Maher since I never watch his show anyways. n/t

[WhiskeyGrinder]

47. Fuck Bill Maher.

[BannonsLiver]

48. I'm not boycotting anything

And frankly I’m more concerned Democrats in Congress are reading The Intercept than anything Maher said. Did anyone see the hit job that Putin rag did on Amy McGrath last weekend? Glenn and his not so merry band of insufferable fuck faces are carrying a lot of water for TrumpGOP these days.

[UniteFightBack]

50. Through all the warts, Maher ain't one of the bad ones. nt

[BlueTsunami2018]

51. I'll continue to watch.

Maybe she should go on the show herself and defend her position.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

58. Maher would have to invite her

Let’s see if he does.

[maxsolomon]

100. He would. He has a lot of people he disagrees with on.

It's one of the show's attractions.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

101. We'll see

[maxsolomon]

103. Perfect rejoinder.

President Sociopath says it all the time: "Well, we'll see what happens".

[Life_Long_Democrat]

104. Again we'll see

of Maher has her on.

[maxsolomon]

136. YES WE WILL.

We're going to see if he steps up to your challenge.

If he doesn't, you'd better boycott his show more than you currently do.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

139. Not my challenge

But maybe a personal challenge for Maher to prove that he has the courage and integrity.

[maxsolomon]

141. Quote:

"Maher would have to invite her. Let’s see if he does."

[Life_Long_Democrat]

142. Yes let's see if he does

It’s up to him.

[maxsolomon]

143. Man, you just need that last word don't you?

You'd better email him and let him know he's on notice.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

145. Sounds like you do too

And why would I email him? That’s just silly.

[RelativelyJones]

52. I'll take Maher over Tlaib any day.

[Life_Long_Democrat]

63. So you support

a rich bigoted white guy who in not a Democrat and regularly parrots right wing talking points to bash Democrats and liberals versus a Democratic and progressive women of color.

[Bradshaw3]

82. Good point n/t

[lapucelle]

83. Welcome to DU!

Would you like a snack?

[Life_Long_Democrat]

85. Thanks

but just ate lunch.

[lapucelle]

171. Don't forget to take it with you.

[evertonfc]

53. sorry

I love Bill. He packs the house when he comes to Nashville. He's a solid liberal but does speak his mind. HBO dosent seem to care. If you see h live, have thick skin. He goes after every single religious faith

[BlueMTexpat]

54. I very rarely watch Maher

because he is not someone I respect. Like a stopped clock, he gets something right every once in a while. THIS was NOT one of those rare times.

I saw this episode and it really pissed me off.

Approving settlements in occupied territories is an act of war. That is what Netanyahu's Israel is doing.

I have been to Israel and have seen these settlements for myself. - and that was BEFORE all the new ones, I am not Palestinian, but I WAS outraged.

To their credit, many Israelis are too.

[Bettie]

56. I disagree with regard to a boycott

but I do understand why she'd be frustrated with him.

I find him to be a mixed bag. I agree with a lot of what he says, but he has a few areas where disagree is a very mild word for how I feel about his views and comments.

And he likes Ann Coulter, ick.

[samir.g]

59. fuck maher and his support of zionist apartheid

Representative Tlaib is right.

[maxsolomon]

140. I watched the show.

He did not support Zionist Apartheid. He opposed the notion that the PLO/Hamas are complete innocents and that BDS is an appropriate tactic for the Democratic Party to support in 2020.

He (and I) don't want to hand Trump a club to beat our nominee with.

[Joe941]

60. Sorry I'm not gonna boycott..

I watch him maybe a couple times a month.

[Celerity]

61. I am 100% in favour of BDS, really could not give a rat's red arse about Maher so not watching

him is no skin off mine.

[obamanut2012]

62. I've been boycotting him for years, so I'm in n/t

[Behind the Aegis]

67. LOL!

[JI7]

69. +

[EllieBC]

78. I think we had the same reaction.

I am so shocked she would boycott speech she doesn't agree with. "The Squad" is starting to behave like goons.

[DFW]

70. I don't get US TV here anyway, but if I did

No way I'd boycott a show like Maher's. He is a sharp-witted satirist, and an equal opportunity opponent of religion, which I like and agree with. As long as Tlaib and her friends have zip city to say about boycotting Myanmar for its treatment of its Muslim Rohingya or China for its treatment of Muslim Uighurs, I have no patience for (or interest in) the BDS show. I don't lump all Israelis in one pot due to Netanyahu any more than my wife lumps all Americans (including me) in one pot due to Trump.

Although we've never been to Israel or China, that is due to lack of time, not because some group with an agenda says we need to conform to their PC conditions. I'll stick to boycotting the NRA and Chick Fil-A (or however it's spelled).

[dsp3000]

74. I disagree with the boycott and those supporting it.

Israel is one of our allies, like it or not. We should be engaging with them, not encouraging what tantamounts to a form of economic sanction. I do not agree with what Israel is doing to the palestinians but a boycott is not going to be productive.

[eissa]

75. Nah, I'll pass on her little temper tantrum

Maher mocks all religions (rightly so) and points out that some are stupider than others (again, rightly so.) Tlaib is grating.

[cwydro]

76. Not impressed by this woman.

Not one bit.

[Skittles]

170. ditto

this kind of stuff is ridiculous

[comradebillyboy]

79. Maher may be an asshole but Talib is her own worst enemy.

Ditto for Omar. I don't really have too much of a problem with their politics but they say a lot of impolitic things that detract from the message they want to get out.

[RhodeIslandOne]

111. I'm trying to understand where BDS became something I need as a Democrat to support.

Sorry, not interested.

[comradebillyboy]

127. Indeed it would be foolish for the Democratic Party to

embrace BDS. But some anti-BDS legislation in states like Texas can be quite overbearing.

https://www.newsweek.com/teacher-fired-refusing-sign-pro-israel-document-1262083

[RhodeIslandOne]

130. Loyalty oaths one way or another are unAmerican

True.

[comradebillyboy]

131. Especially loyalty oaths to a foreign power.

[IcyPeas]

97. I enjoy Real Time with Bill Maher

I like the panels and variety of guests (even the guests I can't stand) where else would you see and hear some of these people?

Maher is a comedian/talk show host, like him or not, he's not a politician.

[Raine]

102. Uh NO

no way!

[stonecutter357]

105. lol !

[Hoyt]

106. There are usually 2 sides. Bill Maher: "I'm Not anti-Muslim, I'm Anti-misogyny."

“Yes, I’m against it when they throw a tarp over a woman like a motorboat. Have you ever tried one of those things on? It’s stifling,” Maher said of the burka. “Men make women walk around all day in a fucking voting booth so [men] don’t have to be responsible for their erections. Your move, #MeToo.”

[lordsummerisle]

108. Stephanie Miller used to have a saying

that if agree with someone all the time about everything, then you might be an idiot...

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

109. Well said

Unfortunately the liberal talk station is no more in my area so I haven't heard her show in years.

[Raine]

150. Lol

sounds about right!

[RhodeIslandOne]

110. Bill Maher spends 95% of his time ripping X-Tian fundies

And their anti-LGBT, anti-choice, pro-prayer in school bullshit.

But god forbid he spend five minutes critiquing someone else's fundies. Then he fails the purity test.

[milestogo]

115. Tlaib needs to learn how to choose her battles, and choose fewer battles.

[underpants]

126. I'll still watch

I don't agree with him but that's the point. It's easily the most intelligent political talk show on TV.

[X_Digger]

144. Fuck Bill Maher. n/t

[Vinca]

157. I won't boycott him just because I disagree with something he says.

He has good guests and usually makes me laugh. Most of the time I agree with him and you have to admire the guy for being sued by Trump and, during the proceedings, Trump producing a birth certificate to prove he isn't an orangutan.

[themaguffin]

164. What the FUCK is wrong with her. Wow.

[Polybius]

166. No thanks

I'll watch him more now.